Nutrition Program Research Articles

A prospective observational study on maternal diet pre- and post-GDM diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes in individuals with/without GDM.

To investigate (1) the association between maternal dietary choices during the first and second trimesters and the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), (2) the association between a GDM diagnosis and dietary choices during pregnancy, and (3) the differences in pregnancy outcomes between individuals with and without GDM. A prospective cohort study. Pregnant individuals with singleton pregnancy aged 19 ∼ 44 years, without severe pregnancy complications were enrolled in the study. Dietary data were collected at three time points during routine antenatal appointments: 8 ∼ 12 weeks gestation(n = 993), 20 ∼ 24 weeks gestation(n = 732), and 32 ∼ 36 weeks gestation(n = 536). GDM diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes were collected during follow-up from the electronic medical record (EMR). A total of 93 participants (12.9%) were diagnosed with GDM. Livestock and poultry meat intake during the second trimester were associated with an increased risk of developing GDM (aOR 1.371, 95%CI 1.070-1.756, P = 0.013), and a GDM diagnosis may lead to decreased intake of cereals and its products (P = 0.001), potatoes and its products (P < 0.001), and fruit (P = 0.002) and increased intake of fish, shrimp and shellfish (P = 0.001), eggs (P = 0.015), and milk and milk products (P = 0.011) in the third trimester. Individuals with GDM related to lower risk of excessive gestational weight gain (aOR 0.384, 95%CI 0.188-0.646, P = 0.001) but may increase the risk of fetal macrosomia (aOR 3.873, 95%CI 1.364-10.996, P = 0.011). Understanding maternal dietary choices around GDM diagnosis is crucial for accurate nutritional assessment and effective education programs. While our findings suggest dietary changes may occur post-diagnosis, further research is needed to confirm these patterns and the potential benefits of early dietary counseling for individuals with GDM.

Association between maternal dietary diversity during pregnancy and birth outcomes: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maternal nutrition is a key factor influencing birth and offspring health outcomes in later life. Dietary diversity (DD) is a proxy for the macro/micronutrient adequacy of an individual's diet. There is inadequate comprehensive evidence regarding maternal nutrition during pregnancy, measured through DD and birth outcomes. This study aimed to provide extensive evidence on maternal DD during pregnancy and birth outcomes. A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed, HINARI, and Google Scholar databases up to January 17, 2024. Studies conducted among pregnant mothers and measuring maternal DD with an evaluation of birth outcomes (low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth), in the global context without design restriction were included. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The results are summarized in a table, and odds ratios were pooled where possible. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. Potential publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test. To explore the robustness, a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was conducted. Thirty-three studies were used to synthesize narrative evidence (low birth weight: 31, preterm birth: 9, and small for gestational age: 4). In contrast, 24 records for low birth weight, eight for preterm birth, and four for small for gestational age were used to pool the results quantitatively. Of the 31 studies, 17 reported a positive association between maternal DD and infant birth weight, 13 studies reported a neutral association (not statistically significant), and one study reported a negative association. Overall, inadequate DD increased the risk of low birth weight OR = 1.71, 95% CI; (1.24-2.18), with I2 of 68.7%. No significant association was observed between maternal DD and preterm birth. Inadequate DD was significantly associated with small for gestational age (OR = 1.32, 95% CI; 1.15-1.49, and I2 = 0.0%). Inadequate maternal DD is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age but not preterm birth, underscoring the importance of promoting adequate DD during pregnancy. To address these issues, it is essential to implement and expand nutritional programs targeted at pregnant women, especially in low-resource settings, to ensure they receive diverse and adequate diets. Further research is needed to address the current limitations and to explore the long-term implications of maternal nutrition on child health. The study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42024513197). No funding was received for this study.

Ragi Revolution: Enhancing Dietary Practices through Nutritional Education and Local Food Systems Implementation

Ragi (Eleusine coracana), commonly known as finger millet, is a nutrient-rich cereal that remains underutilized in modern diets despite its high calcium, iron, and dietary fiber content. This examines how ready-to-eat ragi-based supplementary foods, combined with effective nutrition education, can drive behavioral changes to incorporate ragi into daily diets and local food systems. The increasing availability of ready-to-eat ragi products offers an accessible solution for improving nutrition, but challenges remain in terms of consumer acceptance due to unfamiliarity and taste preferences. This paper focuses on the role of nutrition education in reshaping dietary behaviour, emphasizing case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted interventions in promoting ragi consumption. Additionally, it explores strategies for integrating ragi into public nutrition programs and sustainable food systems, highlighting the importance of community-driven efforts and public-private partnerships. The review also discusses the role of policy support and multi-stakeholder collaboration in fostering ragi’s cultivation and incorporation into local food systems. By examining behavioural change strategies such as social marketing and culturally sensitive approaches, this paper presents a roadmap for promoting ragi as a key component of sustainable diets and public health interventions.

Study protocol of an exercise and nutrition intervention for ovarian cancer patients during and after first-line chemotherapy (BENITA) - a randomized controlled trial.

In ovarian cancer frequently reported side effects are muscle wasting and malnutrition, leading to frailty, decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Both often begin during first-line chemotherapy and develop progressively into a refractory state, if left untreated. Primary objective is to evaluate effectiveness of a newly developed app-based exercise and nutrition program under non-standardized conditions of clinical routine. We hypothize that patients who receive an individually tailored exercise and nutrition program for six months will have improved physical performance compared to patients who receive usual care. This is a multicenter randomized controlled open-label trial comparing an intervention group receiving a six-month exercise and nutrition intervention and a control group receiving usual care. Primary endpoint is the change in 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) from baseline to T2 (26 weeks after baseline) as a measure of physical functioning. Secondary endpoints include patients' utilization and adherence to the nutrition program (MEDAS), their malnutrition risk (NRS2002), as well as patients' HRQoL (see Table1). Using the two-sample t-test with a two-sided type I error of 5% and 80% power, a medium effect size of Cohen's d = 0.50 can be demonstrated with a minimum of 128 participants (64 per group). With a conservatively estimated dropout rate of 30%, 182 patients will be recruited. Patients who are included must be over 18 years of age, be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, cancer of fallopian tubes, or peritoneal cancer, FIGO stages II-IV, receive surgery and chemotherapy (adjuvant or neoadjuvant). Exclusion criteria are an ECOG status greater than 2, inadequate proficiency in German, or physical or mental impairments hindering the implementation of the program or execution of study procedures. In case of success, the project contributes in the long term to (i) improving medical care (diagnosis, psychoeducation, patient orientation, and empowerment), (ii) reducing the burden of disease and promoting physical autonomy for patients, and (iii) being incorporated into relevant guidelines. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06250686).

Associations of linear growth with body composition of perinatally HIV-infected African adolescents.

The prevalence of poor linear growth among African children with perinatally acquired HIV remains high. There is concern that poor linear growth may to lead to later total and central fat deposition and associated non-communicable disease risks. We investigated associations between height-for-age Z score (HAZ) and total and regional fat and lean mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, expressed as internal population Z scores, among 839 Zimbabwean and Zambian perinatally HIV-infected male and female adolescents aged 11-19 years. Stunting (HAZ < -2) was present in 37 % of males and 23 % of females. HAZ was strongly positively associated with total, trunk, arm and leg fat mass and lean mass Z scores, in analyses controlling for pubertal stage, socio-economic status and HIV viral load. Associations of linear growth with lean mass were stronger than those with fat outcomes; associations with total and regional fat were similar, indicating no preferential central fat deposition. There was no evidence that age of starting antiretroviral therapy was associated with HAZ or body composition. Non-suppressed HIV viral load was associated with lower lean but not fat mass. The results do not support the hypothesis that poor linear growth or stunting are risk factors for later total or central fat deposition. Rather, increased linear growth primarily benefits lean mass but also promotes fat mass, both consistent with larger body size. Nutritional and/or HIV infection control programmes need to address the high prevalence of stunting among perinatally HIV-infected children in order to mitigate constraints on the accretion of lean and fat mass.

Nutritional guidance needs and influence factors for gastric cancer survivors in primary healthcare setting: a cross-sectional survey.

This study aimed to build a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional guidance needs of gastric cancer survivors in the primary healthcare setting that could be fulfilled by community health service centers as part of their primary healthcare services. Gastric cancer survivors were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey by convenience sampling method from the community health center. Relationships between nutritional demand and potential influence factors were examined by a multivariable logistic regression model. A total of 200 gastric cancer survivors were recruited from the community health service center in Shanghai, China, from whom we obtained 194 valid questionnaires, resulting in a 97.0% response rate. Of these gastric survivor participants, 48 individuals (24.7%) expressed a need for nutritional guidance administered by community health service centers, whereas 146 participants (75.3%) held the perspective that such guidance was unnecessary. Preferences for nutritional guidance included having a dietitian as the provider (68.8%), home-based engagement (72.9%), face-to-face consultation (68.8%), individual counseling (87.5%), and beginning immediately post-discharge (89.6%). A notable reluctance (66.7%) towards financial contribution was also observed. After adjusting for confounders, participants with higher income level (odds ratio (OR) = 4.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-15.50), history of food intake reduction (OR = 14.96, 95% CI = 3.49-82.28), and gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 1.35-14.33) were more likely to seek nutritional guidance. Gastric cancer survivors have a certain need for nutritional guidance administered by primary health service centers. Personal guidance by the primary health service center should be provided to gastric cancer survivors to support their dietary and nutritional intake needs. There is a need to develop and implement nutritional guidance programs in community health service centers as part of their primary healthcare services for gastric cancer survivors.

Moms &amp; Babies Feeling Better Together: Outcomes of a Technology-Assisted, Entertaining, CBT-Based Depression Treatment for Low-Income Perinatal People Served by a Rural Michigan WIC Clinic

Rural Americans experience higher rates of perinatal depression (PND) than urban peers yet are less likely to receive treatment. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a potential setting for offering PND treatment. This pilot study examines the impact of Moms &amp; Babies Feeling Better Together (MBFBT), a technology-assisted depression treatment, on perinatal WIC clients’ depressive symptoms, anxiety, and parenting self-efficacy. A one-group pre-/post-test design assessed changes in outcomes over time. Paired-samples t-test results show statistically significant decreases in depression and anxiety and increases in parenting self-efficacy between baseline and post-treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrates significant patterns of difference in expected directions across three timepoints for each outcome. Findings provide preliminary support for MBFBT’s effectiveness and its promise for delivery within rural WIC settings.

Home Food Delivery to Address Food Insecurity Following Hospital Discharge.

Nearly 1 in 5 families with children in the United States are food insecure. Hospitalization of a child can exacerbate food insecurity, both during the hospitalization and after discharge. Although some hospitals provide free or subsidized meals during hospitalization, few address food insecurity in the immediate posthospitalization period. To address this gap, we developed an innovative Inpatient Food Pharmacy program. This program offers families of hospitalized children experiencing food insecurity a choice of 1 week of prepared meals, 6 months of monthly produce delivery, or both, after discharge. Our goals were to assess program enrollment, understand family preferences, and evaluate the program’s feasibility and acceptability. Among 120 eligible families, 71 (59%) enrolled. Fifty-five families (77%) chose both prepared meals and produce delivery, 13 (18%) chose prepared meals only, and 3 (4%) chose produce delivery only. The program successfully delivered 6972 prepared meals and 348 boxes of produce over 10 months. Follow-up calls reached 41 (58%) of enrolled families, all of whom reported that the program met their acute food needs. Feedback from families and resource navigators suggested the program was acceptable. We aim to advocate for sustainable funding for food delivery for children and families experiencing food insecurity at 3 levels (1) institutionally, through our hospital's community benefit spending, (2) statewide, through a proposed Medicaid Section 1115 waiver providing grocery delivery to Medicaid-insured pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families, and (3) federally, through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Exploring Rural, Black Women's Lived Experiences With Physical Activity and Nutrition: A Photo-Elicitation Study.

Eastern North Carolina (ENC) residents have higher rates of type 2 diabetes, lower life expectancy, less physical activity (PA), and higher food insecurity than the rest of North Carolina. Black individuals in ENC may face health disparities due to systemic and societal barriers to PA and a nutritious diet; modifiable behaviors that may improve overall health. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of rural Black women who live in ENC and who meet the criteria for overweight and obesity in the context of PA and healthful diet promotion. Photo-elicitation was used to explore this population's specific experiences with PA and nutrition, including barriers and facilitators, through photos and focus groups. Participants (N = 14; 43.5 ± 8.7 years old; body mass index (BMI) = 34.6 ± 5.9 kg/m2) were Black women in the rural Southeastern United States. Recruitment strategies included community outreach, listservs, social media, and word of mouth. Using photos submitted, our team conducted focus groups and completed content analyses to identify themes to tailor the development of a future health promotion program for Black women. Overarching themes were (a) Reframing the Mindset, (b) Accountability, and (c) Cultural Relativity. Findings demonstrate that Black women living in rural areas desire culturally relevant PA and nutrition programming focusing on healthy lifestyles versus weight loss. Future practice and research should utilize these findings to develop and examine the health impact of a health promotion program designed for Black women by Black women on PA levels, diet quality, and quality of life.

CONCEPT OF A PROFESSIONAL MASTER'S PROGRAM: FITNESS AND NUTRITION

Purposes of the article. To put the basis of the Fitness and Nutrition Master’s Program. Scientific novelty. The given article presents the purpose and content of the «Fitness and Nutrition» master’s program. There are defined goals, objectives, competencies. The mentioned program is focused on preparing fitness trainers that would be able to conduct various areas of health-improving and recreational activities, developing nutrition programs for it, depending on their specifics, orientation and preferences of those involved. Conclusions. Graduates of the Fitness and Nutrition master's program will be able to work in fitness centers and clubs, sports schools, specialized educational institutions, recreation organizations – sanatoriums, rest homes, hotel fitness rooms, etc., occupying different positions from the hierarchical profile step. The master's program will cover the demands of the labor market with specialists in the field of physical education, fitness, sports: fitness centers and clubs, sports schools, sports centers and clubs. Graduates will have the opportunity to work as a fitness nutritionist, sports nutritionist, specialist advisor in nutrition and sports diet, carrying out different nutritional programs adapted to the type and volume of physical effort, counseling in order to adjust the diet for weight gain or loss, long-term follow-up of nutritional status and counseling for supporting the effort, recovery after the effort and recommendations regarding hydration and the administration of nutritional supplements.

Standardizing Nutritional Care for Cancer Patients: Implementation and Evaluation of a Malnutrition Risk Screening.

Introduction Cancer-related malnutrition is a highly prevalent, yet often overlooked concern in clinical practice. Although cancer-related management guidelines recommend standardized nutritional care, its implementation is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and the medical need for nutrition counseling in cancer patients employing a novel standardized nutritional management program (containing malnutrition risk screening, nutritional assessment and counseling). Furthermore, differences of malnutrition parameters in different cancer patient cohorts were examined. Methods Cancer patients were screened for malnutrition using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA SF) on the first day of their inpatient admission to the internal oncology or hematology wards. PG-SGA total score and classification into the three PG-SGA nutrition stages (A, B, C) were used to determine nutritional status. In case of a positive screening, nutritional assessment and individualized counseling by a nutritionist followed. For group comparisons, patients were divided into different groups (e.g., age, gender, tumor entity) and were evaluated accordingly. Results A total of 1,100 inpatients were included. 56.8 % of the patients had suspected or already existing malnutrition. The most common nutrition impact symptom was loss of appetite (26.7 %), followed by fatigue (16.5 %) and pain (16.0 %). Female (p < 0.001), elderly (p < 0.001) and patients with upper gastrointestinal tract tumors (p < 0.001) showed an unfavorable nutritional status and higher need for counseling. Despite suffering from malnutrition, patients had Body Mass Indices within the upper end of the normal range. Conclusion This study shows a high prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized cancer patients and highlights the need for a standardized nutritional management in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a malnutrition risk screening for all cancer patients and a following adequate assessment and personalized nutritional care if needed.

Starting a surgical prehabilitation program: results from a pragmatic nonrandomized feasibility study.

We sought to assess the feasibility and estimate the effects on outcomes of a multimodal prehabilitation service implemented as an ancillary surgical service. We conducted a pragmatic, nonrandomized feasibility study of surgical prehabilitation. Patients were eligible if they were ≥ 18yr of age, fluent in English, and referred by a health professional for prehabilitation. Participants received an individualized program of preoperative exercise, nutrition, psychological, and/or smoking cessation support. The primary outcome was operational feasibility, including referral volume, enrolment rate, prehabilitation window, engagement, completion rate, and safety. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications, length of hospital stay, readmission, quality of life, and physical and mental health. Qualitative data related to intervention feasibility and acceptability. We compared intervention participants with patients who were referred for, but declined, prehabilitation. One hundred and sixteen patients were referred for prehabilitation. The mean age of referred patients was 71yr and 55% were male. Over 90% of referrals were from surgical oncology, and the most common indication for referral was frailty (46%). Of the 116 referred patients, 83 consented to participate in the study. Patient-reported and objectively measured outcomes improved by a clinically important margin from baseline to presurgery, and returned to presurgery levels by 90days postoperatively. Qualitative findings suggest that the prehabilitation intervention was well received. Multimodal surgical prehabilitation is feasible as an integrated clinical service and may be effective for improving physical and psychological outcomes. Further evaluations of clinically integrated prehabilitation programs in Canada are needed to confirm these findings.

Proportional Contribution of the Women, Infant and Children's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program on Pregnant Women's Diet Quality

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the proportional contribution of the special Women’s Infant and Children Food Package V for pregnant women (WIC) supplementation on pregnant women’s diet quality. Methods: Image-based diet data collection using FoodFoto™ from 63 primigravid women with singleton pregnancies in Baltimore, Maryland receiving the special WIC Food Package V for pregnant women was converted to Healthy Eating Index - 2015 (HEI-2015) total and component diet quality scores. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the total and component HEI diet quality scores. Independent t-tests and linear regression models were used to assess the contributions that the percent of WIC food in the diet and sociodemographic and health characteristics had on the components and the overall HEI score. Results: The data showed a 1% rise in WIC approved foods in the diet was associated with a significant increase in the on the HEI-2015 score (b=0.77, t=6.35, p&lt;0.001). Higher diet quality scores were accounted for by increased consumption of four HEI components representing healthy foods and significantly lower sodium intake. Furthermore, the healthy food component scores and fatty acids ratio were at or above the 50th percentile. Conclusion: Small increases in consumption of WIC approved foods significantly improved diet quality among pregnant women in the program.

Effectiveness of environmental nutrition program on student dietary intake in boarding schools

Background The Environmental Nutrition Program (ENP) as an environmental intervention offers voluntary involvement with students, but persists in exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ENP on students’ dietary intake and nutritional knowledge. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a control school. ENP comprises four activities: the use of uniform food serving tools, nutrition fact displays, food and nutrition information displays, and body weighing awareness. The ENP emphasized voluntary involvement with students but persisted in exposure for over 8-weeks. Multiple passes of 24-hour food recall and validated questionnaires were used in the assessments by a nutritionist. Multiple linear regressions were performed to analyze the effectiveness of ENP. Results A total of 113 female high school students, with a median age of 16 years, were recruited. At baseline, all students had a lower dietary intake than the national recommendation. Except for the stipend, no differences in the characteristics were found among the students. The students’ carbohydrate intake and nutritional knowledge significantly increased after the ENP in the intervention school (p &lt; 0.001). Total energy, protein, and fat intake also improved after ENP. Conclusion ENP activities effectively increased students’ daily carbohydrate intake and nutritional knowledge. Thus, ENP may be appropriate for enhancing nutrition literacy among female students. Future studies with a longer time frame are encouraged to yield sustained, favorable dietary practices.

Efficacy of a WeChat-Based, Multidisciplinary, Full-Course Nutritional Management Program on the Nutritional Status of Patients With Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

As the most malignant type of cancer in the female reproductive system, ovarian cancer (OC) has become the second leading cause of death among Chinese women. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for patients with OC, and its numerous adverse effects can easily lead to malnutrition. It is difficult to centrally manage patients with OC in the intervals between chemotherapy. The use of WeChat, an effective mobile tool, in chronic disease management has been highlighted. This study aimed to implement a continuous follow-up strategy and health monitoring based on the WeChat platform for patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy to ensure that each phase of chemotherapy was delivered on schedule and to improve the survival rate of patients with OC. Participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the WeChat-based nutrition intervention group or the usual care group. A self-administered general information questionnaire was used at enrollment to obtain basic information about the patients. The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) Scale was used to investigate the nutritional status of the patients at 3 time points (T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). The blood indices of patients were investigated through the inhospital health care system at 3 times（T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). Patients in the intervention group were introduced to the nutrition applet, invited to join the nutrition management group chat, and allowed to consult on nutritional issues in private chats with nutrition management team members. Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in each nutritional indicator in the 2 groups, with their baseline measurements as covariates; with group, time, and group-time interactions considered as fixed effects; and with patients considered as random effects. A total of 96 patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy were recruited into the study. Distribution was based on a 1:1 ratio, with 48 patients each in the nutrition intervention group and the usual care group. The attrition rate after the first chemotherapy session was 18.75%. The mixed linear model revealed that the group-based effect and the group-time interaction effect on PG-SGA scores were significant (F38,38=4.763, P=.03; F37,37=6.368, P=.01), whereas the time-based effect on PG-SGA scores was not (F38,38=0.377; P=.54). The findings indicated that the group-based effect, the time-based effect, and the group-time interaction effect on nutrition-inflammation composite indices were significant (F38,38=7.653, P=.006; F38,38=13.309, P<.001; F37,37=92.304, P<.001; F37,38=110.675, P<.001; F38,38=10.379, P=.002; and F37,37=5.289, P=.02). This study provided evidence that a WeChat-based, multidisciplinary, full-course nutritional management program can significantly improve the nutritional status of patients with OC during chemotherapy.

Socio-Demographic Influences on Dietary Habits and Nutritional Awareness: A Case Study of Polish Biathlon Association National Team Members.

This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic factors on the dietary habits of athletes of the Polish Biathlon Association. Focusing on age, education, employment status, and gender, this research assesses food choices, meal preparation, and nutritional awareness within a structured sports environment. A cross-sectional survey of 54 athletes was conducted using a modified "Eating Habits of Poles" questionnaire to explore food selection, preparation methods, consumption patterns, and nutritional perspectives. This focus on biathletes emphasizes their distinct dietary needs, which arise from the demanding combination of endurance and precision in their sport, providing valuable insights for tailored dietary strategies to enhance their performance and overall health. The results indicate that age, education, and employment status significantly influence Polish biathletes' dietary habits and nutritional awareness. Older athletes (under 23 years) demonstrated significantly higher nutritional awareness regarding modern dietary trends (p = 0.015). In contrast, 50% of higher-education athletes were more engaged in meal planning and healthier food choices than those with elementary education (p = 0.031). Employment status also played a role; 70% of the athletes were students who exhibited more convenience-based food choices, whereas 30% were employed and maintained more structured eating patterns (p = 0.008). Minimal gender differences were found, with 50% of male and 50% of female athletes showing similar dietary habits, likely due to standardized nutrition programs provided to all athletes. This indicates a potential need for further research to determine whether professional dietary support can effectively address typical gender-related variations in food behavior and lead to improvements in dietary outcomes. This study highlights the importance of targeted nutrition education and professional support for optimizing the nutritional habits of professional athletes. This emphasizes that socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and employment status significantly shape these behaviors, underscoring the need for personalized nutritional strategies within athletic programs.

Effect of hospital nutrition program on growth of very low birth weight preterm babies.

Objective: To determine the effect of hospital nutrition program on growth of very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Recep Tayyep Erdogan Hospital, Muzaffargarh, Pakistan. Period: February 2024 to July 2024. Methods: Inclusion criteria were preterm newborns weighing below 1500 grams, admitted in NICU and who received total parenteral nutrition (TPN). VLBW was labeled as birth weight between 1000-1499 grams, while ELBW as birth weight &lt;1000 grams. Hospital nutrition program included TPN plus orogastric feed or nasogastric feeding plus micronutrients. Effect of hospital nutrition program was described as effective if the baby at the time of discharge added 17-20 g/kg/day according to ESPHGAN recommendation. Results: In a total of 131 newborns, 69 (52.7%) were boys. The mean gestational age, and birth weight were 29.68±1.87 weeks, and 1024.50±144.23 grams, respectively. The mean net daily weight gain at the time of discharge was 12.77±3.63 grams. The effective hospital nutrition program was noted in 23 (17.6%) babies. Effectiveness of hospital nutrition program was significantly associated with higher birth weight (1094.78±114.41 vs. 1009.54±145.93 grams, p=0.010), very low birth weight versus extremely low birth weight (87.0% vs. 13.0%, p&lt;0.001), head circumference ≥30 cm (87.0% vs. 53.7%, p=0.003), and gestational age &gt; 28 weeks (87.0% vs. 57.4%, p=0.008). Conclusion: The hospital nutrition program had limited effectiveness, with only 17.6% of VLBW and ELBW infants achieving the recommended weight gain by discharge.

The Importance of Optimal Nutritional Intake for The Health of Pregnant Women in Indonesia: Key Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Optimal nutrition during pregnancy plays a vital role in ensuring maternal health and healthy fetal development. Appropriate nutritional needs, including macronutrients and micronutrients, are essential to support fetal growth, prevent pregnancy complications, and reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. In Indonesia, maternal nutrition is still a major challenge, with a high prevalence of anemia and chronic energy deficiency. Factors such as economic constraints, unequal access to health services, lack of education about the importance of nutrition, and socio-cultural influences on diet, exacerbate this condition. The challenge in meeting the nutritional needs of pregnant women is also related to the low awareness and knowledge of nutrition among the community, especially in remote areas. To overcome this problem, a multi-sectoral approach is needed involving government intervention, community empowerment, and increasing access to health services. Continuous education and targeted nutritional assistance programs can be effective solutions in improving the nutritional status of pregnant women in Indonesia. Thus, strong cooperation is needed between various stakeholders to ensure optimal maternal health, which will ultimately improve the quality of future generations.

The needs and prioritization of nutrition and dietary support for individuals with disabilities: an exploratory study

Objectives: Based on a survey of officers, social workers, and dietitians involved in managing nutrition and welfare policies or projects for vulnerable groups in local governments or private welfare institutions, this study aimed to assess the need for nutritional and dietary support policies and programs for persons with disabilities (PWD), as well as to identify appropriate support measures. Methods: An online survey was conducted from March 2 to 15, 2021. The survey included 20 questions exploring perspectives on the nutritional status of PWD, their need for nutritional and dietary support policies and programs, and the prioritization of appropriate support measures. A total of 132 responses were analyzed. Results: Approximately 68.9% of the respondents rated the nutritional status of PWD as “bad” or “very bad.” A substantial number identified “difficulty in purchasing ingredients, cooking, and preparing meals independently due to disability,” and “limited knowledge about nutrition and recipes necessary for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet” as the primary challenges in the dietary and nutritional management of this population. Additionally, 97.0% of the respondents deemed that the introduction of nutritional and dietary support policies and programs for PWD was “needed” or “very much needed.” Priority strategies to implement and strengthen these policies and systems included the “development of customized programs and services tailored to the needs and demands of the target population” and the “establishment of a dedicated department with specialized personnel.” Conclusion: Comprehensive nutritional and dietary support policies and programs should be actively implemented to ensure a healthy and stable diet for PWD, tailored to meet their actual needs and demands.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among female public health and nutrition university students in Qatar.

The present study aimed to determine oral health (OH) related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Public Health (PH) and Nutrition (NU) students at Qatar University. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire comprising 36 items covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes and perception of oral health practices. Data were analyzed descriptively (means, standard deviations, proportions) and inferentially using statistical tests including t-tests for comparing means, and chi-square tests for examining associations between categorical variables. A total of 112 female undergraduate students participated, including 41 from PH and 71 from NU programs (response rate for both courses = 59.5%). The mean age was 21.8, while 23% were Qataris and 77% non-Qataris. Overall, students demonstrated good knowledge of OH (67.65%), with the PH group scoring higher (70.7%) than NU (65.35%). Knowledge regarding dental plaque was low for both groups (31.0%). Attitudes toward OH varied among participants. Most students reported practicing brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and demonstrated high knowledge regarding the association between poor OH and general health (95%). Overall, PH and NU undergraduate students exhibited relatively good knowledge of OH, however, demonstrated a range of attitudes and practices, including suboptimal ones. Integration of OH education into the PH and NU curriculum is warranted, along with enhanced interprofessional education to promote self-awareness and improve patient oral health outcomes.